It seems like everything comes in fives lately. We can’t always control when we feel ready to tackle creative projects. For me, it’s a huge struggle because I need to bring my best ideas at work, and, I need other, separate, good ideas for my blog, shops, and a little thing I went to college for: creative writing/storytelling. Sometimes it’s more exhausting than liberating, but like they say: I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The passing of Maya Angelou reminds me more than ever just how much ONE person can do in a lifetime. Everything I want to do in life (cue big, sweeping statement) is defined in one word, creativity. This has helped me get and stay creative in my 24 years of being inspired by wonderful and surprising things:
Brainstorm while you walk
Get outside. So many people who have made history, have talked about how instrumental nature is to inspiration. It doesn’t always seem like something for young people to do. But whenever your feeling drained or foggy-headed, try walking down the street, through the trees, by the sea, through the city (no rhyming intended)—it doesn’t take much energy, but creates it. Focus on what you want to accomplish, sans office, notebook, or technology.
Read more: The Walking Brainstorm
Create during your favorite time of day
Different people tend to have different times when they feel most creative or inspired. For me it’s that time of late evening, just after sunset, when things are calm and the air is juuust right. There are no excuses, no distractions. But sometimes there’s dinner, chores, TV time with the bf, stuff that’s also necessary. So then I put it off for another time. Fast forward two weeks when I finally get around to making that moment count, and I wonder why I don’t carve out time everyday. So productive!
Read something you don’t normally read
Yes, blogs inspire. But they also cause comparison, to feel like every idea has been spoken for, to feel like we NEED to post something. When you need to get inspired read a book you normally wouldn’t. Pull up work from an author you loved in college. Read the opinion column of the news. Head over to an activist website and get really fired up about something. You’ll be inspired in some way instantly.
Write & design in your head
I cannot describe how much my laptop distracts me. It’s probably why I tend to come up with better ideas when I’m trying to fall asleep. If it’s the same for you, run with it. Get up after 20 minutes and catalog everything (or you WILL lose it). If the ideas aren’t coming, unplug before you’re actually tired. Lying awake is sure to get thoughts flowing—then get up and write them down, and when you’re tired, go to sleep.
Tip: A notebook for sloppy, sleepy idea writing is a must.
Try meditation
Inspiration doesn’t come when you’re looking. Meditation is the one time you’re truly not looking for it. I’ll write soon, but I’ve been trying to practice mindful meditation daily. It’s not about clearing your mind, it’s about living in the present moment. It’s so hard when you’re a planner. So, why do this when trying to channel creativity? 1) You need a moment to pause, slow down, and get connected with the now. 2) Sometimes when you’re really trying not to think of anything, you’ll come up with EVERYTHING. How inconvenient, right? Use it to your advantage here, and get going!
How do you spark creativity when it’s just not there? Can you recommend any good reads to help? Also… what’s your favorite time of day?
Walking, reading a book, listening to music and going new places work for me! My favourite time are mornings, I love the idea of having a whole day ahead of me 🙂
Love these tips! The meditation one is so true. I usually get my best ideas when I’m about to fall asleep. 🙂